Specialist Teachers

Lori Wukmir

Music and Theatre

Mrs. Lori Wukmir has been a part of our school community since 2004, teaching music and drama! A native of Colorado, she first made a living in the Twin Cities as an actress before receiving her teaching license from the University of Minnesota. She loves getting to know ALL the kids at NDA, but looks forward most to putting them all on stage!

Brittnee Olson

Art

Mrs. Brittnee Olson graduated from the University of Minnesota with her Masters in Art Education. Working with students is a passion of hers. Over the past ten years she worked with students in a variety of ways including nannying, teaching in early childhood education and elementary education. She values teacher and student relationships and seeks to create a safe environment for her students to learn and grow in the art classroom. Mrs. Olson's goal as an Art Teacher at NDA is to help empower students to create artwork that is meaningful to them. Mrs. Olson enjoys hiking, running, art, baking and spending time with her husband, Sam, son, Elijah, and their dog, Rosa.

Maggie Turner

Spanish

Mrs. Maggie Turner started at St. John’s in 2007 and joined NDA when the two schools merged to become a regional school in 2013. She has her M.A. in Education from St. Thomas University and her undergrad from Messiah College. She loves seeing the kids practice speaking in another language and being excited to learn about different cultures. Mrs. Turner enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

Daren Tesch

PE and Health

Mr. Daren Tesch earned his B.A. in Physical Education from Minnesota State University - Mankato and has been teaching in the Catholic school system for almost two decades. On any day you may find him teaching health to the middle school students in the classroom, teaching Physical Education to the preschoolers, or supervising the gym during our home sporting events. He believes in teaching life long health skills to keep our students healthy long after they leave Notre Dame Academy.

Jesse Robertson

Technology

Jesse Robertson graduated from Moorhead State University with a BS in Elementary Education in 1995. He started his teaching career in Houston, Texas; teaching 5th and 6th grade students. He then moved back to Minnesota and taught at The Tesseract School, Nativity of Mary Catholic School, and Howard Lake – Waverly – Winsted Public Schools. Mr. Robertson joined Notre Dame Academy in 2020. He lives in Minnetrista, MN, with his wife of over 25 years, two daughters, a dog, and a cat.

Adam Bestler

Band and Staging

Mr. Bestler came to be the Director of Bands at the Hopkins/Minnetonka Catholic Schools in 2000 after several years of working at Hopkins High School. In addition to directing the Notre Dame Academy Bands, he is a performing multi-instrumentalist in the Twin Cities metro area and conducts two adult professional bands. He also teaches the Jazz Studies program at Chaska High School and is the owner operator of a local small business. If you’d like to reach his class website, click here.

Rachael Feldkamp

Learning Specialist

Ms. Rachael Feldkamp earned her B.S. in Special Education and Physical Education from Winona State University. She has taught in Catholic and charter schools for the last 7 years and been with NDA for almost 2 years. Ms. Feldkamp's dynamic and compassionate teaching style makes her a favorite! With a special interest and passion for special education, she serves the NDA community as a Learning Specialist. She loves to watch the wonder and joy on kids' faces when they make a learning breakthrough.

Marissa Magnuson

Learning Specialist

Mrs. Magnuson is excited to be a part of the NDA community. In the classroom she values the unique personality of each child. She utilizes the gifts of each child and nurtures growth through challenge and support. She earned her M.A. in K-5 Reading Endorsement from St. Thomas University and has been a Catholic School teacher for the last 7 years. Ms. Magnuson loves to help every child discover Jesus’s presence in their lives. In her free time she enjoys walking, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Kris Nelson

Learning Assistant

Mrs. Nelson is the Learning Assistant for grades K-4. After graduating from St. Olaf and working in the business world, teaching and training adults, she left to raise her two boys, both of whom attended NDA (PK through 8th grade). She understands first hand that everyone learns differently and feels blessed to be able to support the students in any way possible, helping them to feel confident and successful. She joined NDA as a staff member in 2023.